BIODIVERSITAS ISSN: 1412-033X Volume 22, Number 1, January 2021 E-ISSN: 2085-4722 Pages: 311-319 DOI: 10.13057/biodiv/d220138

Population, distribution, and habitat of Bornean in Tulin Onsoi, Nunukan District, based on dung counts

WISHNU SUKMANTORO1,♥, AGUS SUYITNO2, MULYADI2, DONI GUNARYADI1, AGANTO SENO3, ALFRED INDRA KUSUMA4, DARWIS4 1 Indonesia Elephant Foundation (Perkumpulan Gajah Indonesia). Jl. Kreta Kencana A5 No. 32, Sektor 12-BSD, South Tangerang 15310, Banten, Indonesia. ♥email: [email protected] 2 WWF Indonesia-Kayan Landscape Program. Jl. Mangga, Tanjung Selor, Bulungan 77212, North , Indonesia 3BKSDA East Kalimantan. Jl. Teuku Umar No. 17, Karanganyar, Samarinda 75243, East Kalimantan, Indonesia 4 Perkumpulan Lintas Hijau. Jl. Jend. Sudirman, Selisun, Nunukan Selatan, Nunukan 77482, , Indonesia

Manuscript received: 13 December 2019. Revision accepted: 23 December 2020.

Abstract. Sukmantoro W, Suyitno A, Mulyadi, Gunaryadi D, Seno A, Kusuma AI, Darwis. 2021. Population, distribution, and habitat of Bornean Elephant in Tulin Onsoi, Nunukan District, Indonesia based on dung counts. Biodiversitas 22: 311-319. The survey on population, distribution, and habitat of Bornean is very important because it reduces the information gap about Bornean elephants’ population and distribution. In more detail, the study can be used for updating information and the needs of local government in a spatial plan based on biodiversity conservation. The survey of Bornean Elephant was conducted in Tulin Onsoi Subdistrict, Nunukan District, North Kalimantan Province, Indonesia, starting in February 2018 to May 2019. The survey area’s scopes are Agison, Sibuda, Apaan, and Tampilon sub-water catchment areas in 34 (5 x 5 km2) grids with a total of 850 km2. The occupancy method with perpendicular line transect was used in this study. In the survey, the number of traces was 52 finding points with a total of 241 traces. The elephant dung identified in the dung piles (one-time defecation) was in 29 finding points with a total of 38 dung piles (0.22 dung piles per km). Based on Distance 6.0 and involved the formula of the elephant population’s density with standard defecation and dung decay ratio, the elephant population density in the Tulin Onsoi is between 4.8-5.7 individuals/100 km2. Minimum convex polygon (MCP)-qHull showed that the area of the elephant habitat is 253.12 km2 in Tulin Onsoi sub-district. Generally, the habitat conditions for the location are old secondary forests (37 %). Meanwhile, other habitats included in the survey area are primary forest, shrubs, and plantations, including community agriculture and roads. In the strategy of managing the Bornean elephant, efforts to stabilize or increase population are important things to do. Conservation-based spatial planning and close monitoring for the protection of small populations of this species and its threats, are options that can be selected for present and future in North Kalimantan.

Keywords: Bornean elephant, Tulin Onsoi, population, occupancy, dung counts

INTRODUCTION because Bornean elephant separated from the other sub-species around 200,000 years ago (Fernando The Bornean elephant ( maximus borneensis) is et al. 2003). The recent study by Sharma et al. (2018),’ one of the sub-species of Asian elephants living on the stated that the subspecies is endemic to where a island of Borneo. The spread of these elephants in the bottleneck was identified likely between 11,000 and 18,000 northern region of Borneo, namely (eastern part of years ago-at the end of the when land ) and North Kalimantan (part of Indonesia), is bridges were still connected to . However, some between 300-1500 m above sea level (asl) with mainly elephant experts also stated that some of the elephant forests as their habitat. However, several population was the result of the introduction by the Sultan other groups now occur in habitats that have been of Sulu (Davies and Payne 1982). converted into plantations and settlements. The estimate of The main threat is land conversion increasing from year 500-2000 individuals was based on a survey conducted in to year, especially land clearing in Sabah and North Sabah (, Lower Kinabatangan, and Kalimantan for settlements and plantations (Alfred et al. ) by Andau et al. (1992), no 2010). This resulted in retaliatory killing due to conflict survey was done in the Kalimantan area. between elephants and humans in several locations and Bornean elephants are considered to have a smaller hunting for . Both are the primary cause of death of body morphology than other Asian elephants with a body Bornean elephants in the field. Some events, Bornean size of 72-90% of other Asian elephants (Cranbrook et al. elephants died en masse, for example, the case of the death 2008). This comparison of morphology is based on the of 14 individuals in 2013 or 25 individuals in 2018 by calculation of measured female elephant skulls and other suspected poisoning, trapping and shooting in Sabah Asian elephants. The elephant's range is 4,000-12,000 ha (Winarno 2013; Christiastuti 2018). Since 1986, (Alfred et al. 2007 Sitompul 2011). Taxonomic DNA study Kalimantan elephant has been classified as endangered by revealed that this elephant belongs to a separate sub-species the IUCN (Ambu et al. 2002; Choudhury et al. 2008). 312 BIODIVERSITAS 22 (1): 311-319, January 2021

In North Kalimantan, conservation efforts are carried MATERIALS AND METHODS out by conducting studies on the elephants’ presence, encouraging the mitigation of human-elephant conflict, and Sampling sites, population and distribution of the elephant anti-poaching. In the evaluation and action plan of Bornean The study was conducted in Tulin Onsoi Subdistrict, elephants, the study of the existence, population, and distribution Nunukan District, North Kalimantan Province, Indonesia of them are one of the important recommendations starting in February 2018-May 2019. The scope of the (Wulffraat 2006; Seno et al. 2018). Then, at the study area is in four areas, namely Agison, Sibuda, Apaan, conservation network level, the elephant study, especially and Tampilon. A study with a duration of almost 1.5 years in the North Kalimantan Province of Indonesia, is the main (7 surveys) began with a series of training activities and priority, especially to get the latest population and simulations of the application of elephant occupancy distribution. methods in Tarakan and Malinau, North Kalimantan. The Occupancy study of elephants based on dung counts is training focused on preparing and applying datasheet forms the highest importance because it is a standard method for for elephant surveys and their habitat and datasheet form calculating the population and distribution of this species, usage simulations in the field. is cheap and involves a lot of field personnel. The study The occupancy method with perpendicular line transect was conducted by involving a field team; the East was used in this study. The grid used some samplings of 5 Kalimantan BKSDA (Nature Conservation Agency), North x 5 km2 with a perpendicular line transect of 5-7 km or 5 Kalimantan BPLH (Environmental Management Bureau), grids 1 x 1 km2, which have been prepared and become part WWF Indonesia, PGI (Indonesian elephant association), of the 5 x 5 km2 grid. The 1 km (a part of total 5-7 km and PLH (Environmental Association Society) of North perpendicular line transect) is divided into 10 observation Kalimantan. This study was also assisted by local people in segments with each segment within 100 m starting from the Tulin Onsoi area. segments 1 to 10. Determination of sampling grids was based on previous survey records of the elephant intensity of use in 2007-2011 covered the Agison, Tapilon, Apaan, and Sibuda regions (Mongabay 2012). The total grid sampling of 5 x 5 km2 is 34 grids, or the total scope of the study area is 850 km2. The total grid of 1 x 1 km2 used in this study is 170 grids.

Figure 1. The Bornean elephant occupancy survey in 5 x 5 km2 and 1 x 1 km2 grids at Tulin Onsoi, Nunukan District, North Kalimantan, Indonesia (Source of map: Sentinel 2 Imagery 2018 & 2019)

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The survey team was divided into four teams where one Y is n/f (x) * 2L team numbered between 10-12 people, 3-4 core teams, and porters (including sampan owners) from the local Dayak Where: community. The overall survey was carried out by river Y = amount of dung piles in units of area transportation then continued on walking for perpendicular f (x) or D = function of distance or distance of dung line transects. Occupancy studies are carried out by piles with perpendicular transects determining the starting point of the survey then the team L = length of transect travels 5 km on perpendicular transects. The survey team run according to the established transect route and the route Habitat condition could be modified to adjust the contour of the land if it was Datasheet form contained information on the Bornean difficult to pass or reach. The survey team in collecting elephant habitat conditions per grid and segment. field data needed a datasheet form book, and each team Information on site conditions can describe land cover, member filled out the sheet form data in detail following land status or area, watershed or water source, and mineral the guiding standard. lick and the threats to the habitat and population of The study sheet was carried out by adopting a Sumatran Kalimantan elephants. Analysis of habitat data is done by elephant occupancy study in Riau and then modified it calculating the relative percentage of each land cover type, according to the study needs in Kalimantan. The datasheet watershed or water source and mineral salting, and threat was divided into five types, i.e., A, B, C, D, and E, Type A type. (A1-A8) are general information of the study, survey team information, and time and coordinates starting and completing the study. Sheet B is a general type of habitat or RESULTS AND DISCUSSION ecosystem in the survey area, its management system and its main threat. Type C (C1-C33) is a description of a 5 x 5 Samples distribution in the research area km2 grid and a 1 x 1 km2 grid and ecosystem conditions Distribution of trace, feces, friction, and estimated and threats per segment (1-10 segments) in a 1 km elephant puddles are found in the survey location (Figure perpendicular line transect. Type D data sheet is a more 1). Based on the perpendicular distance from the findings detailed explanation of the signs of the presence of of signs of the presence of these elephants (sampling) with Bornean elephants per segment. The type E data sheet is a perpendicular transects, the distance of 0-1 m from the description of the position of coordinates from the results transect has the highest sampling findings (62%). Between of these observations. 1-2 m and 2-3 m distances, a sampling of 11 (11%) and 15 Data analysis was carried out in two stages. The first (15%) records of the presence of elephants were also was by using the standard formula of elephant dung and recorded. DISTANCE 6.0 to estimate the pattern of fecal distribution A total of 13 dung samples were recorded at a distance and standard error. ARCGIS 10.5 to determine the of 0-1 m (45%) when concentrated on the findings of distribution of elephants based on feces, traces or other elephant dung. Then in 1-2 m was recorded five dung signs, using MCP (Minimum Convex Polygon). The samples (17%), 2-3 m collected nine dung samples (31%). second was by using qHull and Kernel Density 10-30%, At 3-4 m distance, there did not found the elephant dung 30-50% and 50-100% to determine the concentration during the survey. In the context of population studies, a chamber findings to estimate the Bornean elephant range. distance of 0-3 m is ideal in obtaining elephant dungs in the In the dung count survey (recce survey), the field based on the number of records of findings of stratification of dung piles was identified in low status ie 0- sampling. In the previous document, the effective distance 20 dung piles per km and high stratification ie 20.1-45 of monitoring elephants from perpendicular transects was 6 dung piles per km (Reilly 2002; Hedges et al. 2005). The m (Sukmantoro et al. 2018). defecation rate for Sumatran elephants in Way Kambas is 16.68 (Sukmantoro 2002) or 18.15 (Tyson et al. 2002) and Current population estimates of all survey activities specifically of Bornean elephant in Sabah is 8.68 (SD = From a total of seven occupancy surveys in 34 grids (5 1.67) (Alfred et al. 2010). The dung decay rate calculation x 5 km2 grid cell) and 170 grids (1 x 1 km2 grid cell) or 170 is 133,29 (0,0075 per day) based on a Bornean elephant km of perpendicular line transect totally, the number of study in Sabah, Malaysia (Alfred et al. 2010). The formula traces was 52 finding points with a total 241 traces (Table used is; 1). The elephant dung identified in the dung piles (1-time defecation) was in 29 finding points with a total of 38 dung E = Y x r/D piles (0,22 dung piles per km). The survey team also identified elephant body friction in plants at 17 friction Where: points in height between 2 and 3.5 m. For pools, the E = Population density per unit area team also identified three locations and was thought to be a Y = amount of dung piles in units of area place for elephant activities. r = dung decay rate (0.0075) D = defecation ratio (8.68 (Alfred et al. 2010)

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A

B

Figure 2. A. Graph of sampling distribution in the distance from perpendicular transects for all signs of the presence of elephants. B. For other images is the distribution of dung sampling within the distance of the perpendicular transect

Signs of the presence of elephants (traces, dung, body recorded 1 discharge with 62 cm dung circumference and friction, and other signs) were identified in 10 (5 x 5 km2) 20 cm dung diameter and E10 grid (15 segments, 10 grids namely C11, D11, B5, C6, C10, D10, B7, E10, B8 transects) were also recorded one discharge with 44 cm and C9. For specific elephant dung concentrated in 8 (5 x 5 dung circumference and 15 cm its diameter. km2) grids, namely D11, B5, C5, C6, C10, D10, E10 and Minimum convex polygon (MCP)-qHull showed that B8. DISTANCE 6.0 is used to obtain elephant discharge the area of the elephant habitat is 253.12 km2 (25,311.84 density which results in a distance function value (F (x)) or ha) in the Tulin Onsoi sub-district and borders the Sabah D is 61.001 (AIC = 214.59, ESW = 1.06, D LCL = 55.95, region, Malaysia (see Figure 3). Kernel density of 50- D UCL = 66.51 (95% CI), D CV= 0.044) (Table 2). 100%, 30-50%, and 10-30% % showed that the highest In calculating species populations directly, the concentration area of Kalimantan elephant was 63.62 km2 DISTANCE 6.0 program can be used to calculate the (red polygon in Figure 3 (b)), then the second and third population density of species. Still, for indirect methods highest concentration was 32.55 km2 and 45.07 km2 such as dung, this program only calculates dung density, (yellow and green polygons). and then is done by calculating elephant population density Bornean elephants in North Kalimantan are a with standard elephant dung formula. If an elephant subpopulation that can be considered separate from the population is calculated where the defecation ratio is 8,68 Sabah population of elephants, especially from the small (Alfred et al. 2010) and the dung decay ratio is 0.0075. The population in Tinampak, although it may also be related to elephant population density in Tulin Onsoi is between the elephant population in Tampilon. In Agison, Sibuda, 0,053/km2 (range 0.048-0,057/km2. When extrapolated in and Tampilon, elephant populations tend to interact or an area of 100 km2, the population estimation is 5.3 populations that also have access to the Sabah (Malaysia) individuals in 100 km2 (or 4.8-5.7 individuals/100 km2). region. Richard (2018) stated that Bornean elephants in From the field notes with differences in circumference Kalimantan also have a population in the northern and diameter of elephant dung manually, it is estimated that Kalimantan territory of Indonesia and the importance of there are seven individual elephants in all survey areas; one establishing a connection among transboundary or cross- individual in the B5 grid (transect 1), three individuals in country management between Malaysia and Indonesia for E10, C11, and D11 (transects 14 and 15) because of the protection of Kalimantan elephants. Wulffraat et al. differences boli, and three individuals on-grid B7 and B8. (2017) also stated that the importance of cross-country On-grid D11-segment 3, two dung piles were identified management for Kalimantan elephants in the context of the with a circumference measuring 50 cm and a diameter of Heart of Borneo (HoB) transboundary corridor area. 14 cm. Then at E10 (transect 14; segments 3), there were

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Table 1. Signs of the presence of elephants at the occupancy survey location, Tulin Onsoi, North Kalimantan, Indonesia

Total of finding % Finding types % proportion Total number Finding types points proportion Elephant tracepoint 52 50.98 241 83.68 Traces Elephant dung 29 28.43 38 10.07 Dung piles Bodies friction 17 16.67 17 5.56 Friction Water pool 4 3.92 4 0.69 Water pool 102 100.00 300 100.00

Table 2. Findings of the presence of elephants at the occupancy survey location, Tulin Onsoi, North Kalimantan, Indonesia

D (RATE) DD (RATE) AIC ESW D DLCL DUCL D CV D 8.68 0.0075 214.59 1.06 61.001 55.946 66.512 0.044 Note: D (rate): defecation rate, DD (rate): dung decay rate, EWR: Effective Strip Width for line transect data, D: Density of dung per km2), CV= Coefficient of variant, AIC: Akaike information criterion, DLCL: lower confidence limit of density, DUCL: upper confidence limit of density

Estimates of the Bornean elephant population in the Even so, elephants also move a lot in easily accessible North Kalimantan region are estimated to be less than 20 locations such as roads. In the period of flooding, elephants individuals or 0.1 individuals/km2 (Alfred et al. 2011). Our move away from the river and search for elevated locations result study is not much different than the estimated with limited area, although many use natural forests population by Alfred et al. (2011). If extrapolated in the (Alfred 2012; Othman 2017). These two separate small elephant range in Tulin Onsoi, which is 253.12 km2, the population groups may be able to relate through river estimated potential of the elephant population in their range border access when not flooded or connections with males is 13.4 individuals. Nevertheless, the pattern of distribution who can access these two groups. of the elephants seems aggregated (clustered distribution) due to geographical isolation or the condition of some Bornean elephant habitat habitats that are difficult to reach by them (in particular due Of the total 34 (5 x 5 km2) grids surveyed or in repeat to contours). surveys, the habitat conditions for the location are By a real or manual calculation in the field (direct generally old secondary forests (37%). Primary forests observation), seven elephants in the field were inadequate were also relatively common in the target survey locations in the group population size. These are divided into two (9%). Meanwhile, other habitats included in the survey area small and separate groups in two limited distribution areas. are shrubs and plantations, including community The first group consisted of four individuals in Agison and agriculture and roads. Some locations consist of two or Sibuda (B5, B7, and B8), and the second group consisted three types of land cover, for example, primary and of three individuals in Tampilon, Apaan, and Tinampak secondary forests recorded in several survey grids. (E10, C11, and D11). One individual elephant in Agison Primary forests are more dominant (50%) with small and Sibuda may be solitary or not integrated with three disturbances in the Agison River region because the other individuals. From the group context, this is very contours are difficult for humans to access. Then the Apaan small and minimal group size for Asian elephants River is also part of the primary forest (33%). There are compared to the other groups in Sri Lanka or in India many secondary forests in the Tampilon River, Sibuda (Sukumar 2003). It is possible that a strong bond group is River, and parts of Apaan and Kabatang (50% and up). the parent female elephant with a child or two adult Some locations with more than one or two types of land females and one child. cover are the Tinampak village area, which consists of In the context of elephant movements, elephants likely primary (21%) and secondary forests, mixed bushes, and avoid steep or steep areas, are more likely to use the river mixed community plantations (78%). Then the Melalat as a place for them to move. In 2017 study on the behavior River also consists of secondary forests, shrubs, and and ecology of elephants in Sabah, there were differences community plantations. Tau Baru Village also consists of in the movement of elephants during the flooding season two or three habitat types for elephants, namely secondary and non-flooding season, when the season was not flooded, forest, and mixed community plantations or monoculture elephants tended to move near the river or a radius of less oil palms or forestry cultivation areas. than 1 km from the river (Othman 2017).

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MINIMUM CONVEX POLYGON

Scale 1: 150,000

Legend: Point distribution River Road Minimum Convex Polygon

A

KERNEL DENSITY

Scale 1: 150,000

Legend:

Point distribution River Road Minimum Convex Polygon Kernel 10-30% Kernel 30-50% Kernel 50-100%

B

Figure 3. Elephant signing points (A) and MCP-qHull of Kalimantan elephants based on trace, feces, friction, and other signs (B) during the 2018-2019 survey activities

From this survey, the elephant’s dominant habitat from forests. Some locations also showed dominated shrubs the total data collection in the transect segment among (2.99%) and mixed forests (3.8%). Besides, there are also 1838 segments was a secondary forest with canopy cover plantations and community farming. 41-60% and 61-80% (52.9%) for trees above 30cm in Agison, Tampilon, Apaan, and Sibuda are major rivers diameter. Whereas below 30 cm diameter, poles with which are large rivers and small rivers with a percentage canopy cover between 41-60% and 61-80% also more between 32 and 34% of the total identified locations, and in dominant (54%) than more open canopy cover. Then in the these areas. There are also rivers or marshy saplings (16%), area of elephant habitat, bush conditions varied with namely in Agison River, Jeruk Camp, Tulin Onsoi River, dominant cover reaching 61-80% (27.9%) and 41-60% and Melalat. Sibuda River (3%) was identified as a source (26.1%). Some habitats were mixed forests, namely of water and as a source of mineral salt for . primary and secondary forests and young secondary

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A B

C D

E F

Figure 4. Bornean elephant habitat based on the forest cover (A), river types and salt lick areas (B) and detail of trees canopy >30 (C) diameter <30 cm (D) diameter and shrub cover (E), and road types inside the survey areas (F)

This is in accordance with habitat cover conditions oil palm mix, and another 0.05% in rubber plantations using the spectral technique of Landsat OLI 8+ images in (Evans et al. 2020). the area of elephant habitat in Tulin Onsoi, showing that In comparison with Sumatran elephants, habitat use for the natural forest with a secondary forest type is Kalimantan elephants is almost the same as the Sumatran dominantly followed by mixed gardens and fields and elephant, which uses a lot of natural forests, especially shrubs (Sukmantoro et al.2018). In Kinabatangan, Sabah, habitat that has not been converted by humans. In Seblat- many elephants use swamp areas along the Kinabatangan Bengkulu, Sumatran elephants use 45.5% of natural forest river, in some natural forests and oil palm plantations, with a dense canopy, while those with open and non-dense overlapping with community settlements and mixed- canopies are between 22.6-28.3%. Open areas are only plantations (Estes et al. 2012; Othman 2017). 66% of this 1.7% (Sitompul et al. 2013). In areas that have been area is often flooded, narrowing the elephant's movement. heavily converted by humans, elephant habitat is mostly Other studies suggest that Bornean elephant movements found in community plantations (29.4%), then natural tend to be in degraded and forested areas 27% of them forests (21.4%), and bush areas (9.8%) (Sukmantoro et al. occurring within lands converted for agriculture: 24.2% in 2019). The habitat characteristics of the Bornean elephant oil palm plantations, 0.7% in timber plantations, 0.58% in in the study area are many hills and slopes so that the tendency for the elephants to use river borders is different

318 BIODIVERSITAS 22 (1): 311-319, January 2021 from the population in Kinabatangan which tends to be flat Apaan-Tinampak. In the context of population size, these (lowland). This condition is like in Aceh (Sumatra Island) two small groups occur in very minimal conditions. where the elephants avoid the slope and are close to Although, both of them are likely to interact with other relatively flat river boundaries (Collins 2018). The elephant groups that cross in the Sabah area and visit North characteristics of Bornean elephant habitat are supported Kalimantan. In a minimal group context, this group by the condition of the foods identified as typical natural consists of close kinship; the parent and child or parent, forest plants; ginger (Zingiberaceae), rattan (Calamoideae), other adult female elephants, and children. The pattern of wild palms (Arecaceae), fiber and ficus (Ficus sp.), and care if it only consists of one parent and the other children grasses (Poaceae) (Mingueza 2018). Some of them also will be disrupted because this minimal group does not have like the type of lianas and bananas (Musa sp.). aunts as a childcare strategy after passing care from their parents. This separate group is also prone to local Threats extinction and inbreeding, if there is no communication and The biggest threat to Borneo elephants in Kalimantan is interaction with adult males or female groups from larger hunting, especially using homemade firearms, animal populations. However, suppose the population structure snares, and poisoning. However, in the last year, there was estimation involves two individual children, especially in no elephant death record in the North Kalimantan region. Agison and Sibuda. In that case, males exist in that location Conflict records of elephants-humans occurred in the last and these males are expected to be connected with other year (state the year), namely in the villages of Salang and groups in Tulin Onsoi. Tinampak (Sub-district of Tulin Onsoi), where one One of the strategies for managing the elephant elephant damaged community oil palm plantations. population in Tulin Onsoi, is to step up on efforts to Poaching for ivory records has only been recorded in the increase their population. One of the Emergency Action Sabah region, where there were five cases of ivory Plan efforts for the Bornean elephant population is to circulation, which were later confiscated by East eliminate the potential threat because the threat of poaching Kalimantan BKSDA officers. The most recent deaths of will likely cause the local extinction of this subpopulation Bornean elephants recorded in various media channels are in this region in one or two cases; hunting and human- 14 individual elephants who died due to suspected elephant conflict. Efforts to eliminate potential threats are poisoning in the Gunung Rara forest reserve, Tawau by monitoring the elephants strictly and ensuring that they district-Sabah in 2013. Most likely due to the conflict with are safe from threats from hunting, namely by patrolling, oil palm planters there. monitoring and eliminating hunting of animals in the Land conversion is the main threat in Tulin Onsoi Sub- elephant habitat, confiscating and destroying animal snares district, particularly for the Bornean elephant habitat in the and reducing coinage to land conversion to reduce present and future if it is not anticipated. Forest land elephant-human conflicts. conversion is a direct threat to this subpopulation. The The effort to ensure that threats to elephants are direct threat is land seizure between the community and addressed is an important and early effort in emergency elephants, causing conflict, easier access for poachers, action for the recovery of its population. Then, monitoring forest and land fires, and river pollution. All of these cause the movements of male elephants and restoring their habitat the quality decreased of the water sources’ quality in target locations, especially river banks, is crucial to decreased for elephants and dietary requirements such as facilitate the transboundary movement of male elephants or food, minerals, and shelter. elephant groups between Sabah and Kalimantan to increase In calculating the quality of hunting threats, 238 their accessibility to larger foraging grounds and to ensure segments from a total of 1838 segments (12.9%) were a healthy viable gene pool. Another intervention is the indicated as high locations and very high hunting. While introduction/translocation of other Bornean elephants to 933 other segments (50.8%) indicated low to medium level this location is also very important to encourage an for the threat of hunting. The threat of encroachment is 172 increase in elephant population in this location. The segments (9.4%) that have high indications of very high strategy and action plan of the Bornean elephant that was threats. Meanwhile, 417 segments (23%) indicated low to built and approved by the Governor this year was another medium level. For the category of logging, 673 segments effort to encourage spatial planning policies that factor in (37%) indicated illegal logging with low to very high elephant requirement and to build better and more definite levels. elephant corridor governance including cooperation between Malaysia and Indonesia for the management of Concluding remark them in the Nunukan region as Heart of Borneo During the survey period of 2018-2019, the data transboundary corridor initiatives to ensure long term collection for the population and distribution of Bornean survival of Bornean elephant subpopulation in Kalimantan. elephants in Tulin Onsoi was conducted using traces, feces, The spatial policy prepared for the government of North and other signs. Generally, trace findings and feces are Kalimantan Province is the establishment of an Essential more than 1 month or findings with a long age and Ecosystem Area especially for the elephant corridor relatively small amounts. Signs of the existence of the contained in Government Regulation No. 28 of 2011. elephants were concentrated in two separate locations, Tightening and licensing moratorium in Bornean elephant namely in Agison-Sibuda where this location is in an habitat is essential contributing to the planned recovery of elephant range, and one elephant group in Tampilon- this species.

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The use of GPS Collars is an important tool to monitor Davies G, Payne J. 1982. A Faunal Survey of Sabah. WWF Malaysia for the movement of the elephants in Nunukan in more detail, the Game Branch, Forestry Department of Sabah, Kota Kinabalu. Estes JG, Othman N, Ismail S, Ancrenaz M, Goossns B, Ambu LN, Estes but the problem is that during the survey, directly finding AB, Palmiotto PA. 2012. Quantity and configuration of available of elephant were never held, so the installation effort was elephant habitat and related conservation concerns in the lower temporarily undermined. Nevertheless, after this survey or Kinabatangan floodplain of Sabah, Malaysia. Plos One 7 (10): research, monitoring of Bornean elephants can be done by e44601. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0044601. Evans LJ, Goossens B, Davies AB, Reynolds G, Asner GP. 2020. Natural installing camera traps in target locations and adjusting to and anthropogenic drivers of Bornean elephant movement strategies. the time of elephant visits to that location. In addition, the Global Ecol Conserv 22: 1. DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e00906. creation of field research camps and team efforts to move Fernando P.Vidya TNC, Payne J, Stuewe M, Davison G, Alfred RJ, more quickly in a flying camp, encouraged the Andau, PBosi, Kilbourn E, A. Melnick DJ. 2003. DNA analysis indicates that Asian elephants are native to Borneo and are therefore a effectiveness of the Kalimantan elephant data collection at high priority for conservation. Plos Biol 1 (1): e6. DOI: Tulin Onsoi. 10.1371/journal.pbio.0000006. Hedges S, Tyson MJ, Sitompul AF, Kinnaird MF, Gunaryadi D, Aslan. 2005. Distribution, status, and conservation needs of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in Lampung Province, Sumatra, Indonesia. Biol ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Conserv 124 (1): 35-48. DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2005.01.004. Mingueza LC. 2018. Presence and habitat use of the endangered Borneo We thank the Indonesian government (Ministry of elephant (Elephas maximus borneensis) in the INIKEA Rehabilitation Project site (Sabah, Malaysia)-A pilot study. Department of Wildlife, Environmental and Forestry) to give support and permit us Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural to carry out this study. We also thanks WWF Indonesia and Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden. TFCA (Tropical Forest Conservation Act) Kalimantan for Mongabay. 2012. Habitat Gajah Borneo Terdesak Alih Fungsi Lahan. supporting the fund us and also thanks to all of the field https://www.mongabay.co.id/2012/04/18/habitat-gajah-borneo- terdesak-alih-fungsi-lahan. [Indonesian] team and the local communities who helped us during the Othman NB. 2017. Behaviour and Spatial Ecology of the Bornean survey at our target locations with high dedication so that Elephant (Elephas maximus borneensis) in Lower Kinabatangan, this survey worked well. Finally, we also thank Cheryl Sabah, Malaysia Borneo. Cardiff University, UK. Cheah for helping to improve this paper and all staff of Polansky L, Douglas-Hamilton I, Wittemyer G. 2013. Using diel movement behavior to infer foraging strategies related to ecological East Kalimantan BKSDA, members of the Indonesian and social factors in elephants. Movement Ecol 1: 13. Elephant Conservation Forum and Perkumpulan Lintas Reilly J. 2002. Growth in the (Elephas maximus Hijau for supporting this activity. sumatranus) and age estimation based on dung diameter. J Zool 258 (2): 205-213. DOI: 10.1017/S0952836902001322. Richard B. 2018. Protecting the elephant transboundary landscape between Sabah dan North Kalimantan. www.panda.org. 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